lPerseus was the son of Zeus and Danaë.
lWhen Perseus grew into a strong young man, Polydectes, the king of Seriphus, fell in love with
Danaë. Polydectes wanted to
marry Danaë, but did not want or like
her son Perseus.
lPolydectes invited Perseus to a celebration and falsely announced his plans to marry another. Each guest gave a gift to the king. Perseus, who brought no gift, rashly
promised to the king that he would
give any gift that the king
wished.
lPolydectes couldn't believe his good fortune and asked for the head of the Gorgon Medusa, knowing that the youth could never possibly return home alive. Perseus readily agreed not realizing his task was seemingly all but impossible.